Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sparked public and political backlash after saying Spain "doesn't have nuclear bombs" and "we alone can't stop the Israeli offensive," comments he made as he announced an arms embargo on Israel aimed at stopping what he called a "Gaza genocide."
Sánchez told reporters on Monday that Spain would ban ships and aircraft delivering weapons or military-grade jet fuel to Israel and would bar entry to anyone who had participated directly in acts amounting to genocide in Gaza. He added, "Spain, as you know, doesn't have nuclear bombs, nor aircraft carriers, nor large oil reserves. We alone can't stop the Israeli offensive. But that doesn't mean we won't stop trying, because there are causes that are worth fighting for."
The announcement marked a further hardening of Madrid's stance toward Israel. Spain recognised a Palestinian state in May 2024 and has been an outspoken critic of Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials strongly rejected Spain's characterization of the campaign as genocide and said the measures were unfounded.
Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Saar, accused Sánchez of using the measures to divert attention from domestic political controversies and announced an entry ban on Spain's deputy prime minister, Yolanda Díaz, and Youth Minister Sira Rego. Both belong to Sumar, the hard-left junior partner in Sánchez's coalition government. Spain's Foreign Ministry called Israel's entry ban "unacceptable," saying the embargo reflected public sentiment and Madrid's support for peace, human rights and international law, and reiterated its commitment to fighting antisemitism.
The comments about nuclear weapons drew widespread reaction on social media and from political opponents, with some critics condemning the statement and others suggesting Sánchez's remarks had been taken out of context. Spanish officials stressed the measures were part of a broader diplomatic effort and said Madrid would continue to press for humanitarian access and a cease-fire.
The dispute takes place against the backdrop of the Gaza war that began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel launched a prolonged military offensive in Gaza in response. Palestinian health authorities in Gaza say more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting; those figures are provided by Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
Madrid also issued a separate statement strongly condemning a shooting in East Jerusalem on Monday in which Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop, killing six people, including a Spanish national living in Israel. Spain called for calm and reiterated support for diplomatic avenues to protect civilians.
Internationally, Israel is contesting allegations that its operations amount to genocide at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The Israeli government has rejected that characterization and said its actions are aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure and preventing further attacks. Madrid's embargo and public rhetoric add to mounting diplomatic pressure on both sides to agree to measures to protect civilians and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Analysts say the moves are likely to deepen tensions between Spain and Israel and could complicate EU efforts to craft a unified approach. Within Spain, the measures have become entangled with domestic politics: Sánchez heads a coalition government and faces criticism from opposition parties and some international actors over both his handling of the Gaza conflict and other political controversies at home.
Spain's decision to grant Spanish citizenship in recent years to tens of thousands of Sephardic Jews — descendants of those expelled from the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century — has been cited by Spanish officials as evidence of Madrid's commitment to combating antisemitism even as it pursues a policy critical of Israel's military campaign. The diplomatic tit-for-tat underscores the broader challenge facing European governments seeking to balance human rights concerns, legal obligations and political pressures as the conflict continues.
The conflict shows no immediate sign of abating. Israel says around 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with about 20 believed to be alive. Humanitarian needs in Gaza remain acute: large parts of major urban areas have been heavily damaged, and aid agencies report widespread displacement and shortages of shelter, food and clean water.
Sánchez framed his announcement as an effort to uphold international law and human rights. His comments on Spain's military limitations, however, turned attention to a diplomatic row that is likely to continue as Madrid and Tel Aviv trade accusations and measures in the weeks ahead.